Examining the legitimacy landscape of the right to tourism

Discourses on the legitimacy of the right to tourism are often characterized by complexity and polarization. This study provides an in-depth examination of this discourse, grounded in institutional theory. We present a novel synthesis of key legitimacy perspectives, identifying eight distinct legitimization approaches: nested, purist, discretionary, ethical, social, vulnerability, precautionary, and multilateral. Rather than advocating for or against the right to tourism, this research focuses on understanding the diverse legitimization strategies employed to support differing positions. Furthermore, we introduce a multi-faceted legitimacy framework for assessing legitimacy judgments in tourism policymaking. This framework establishes a spectrum of legitimacy, highlighting a shift from reliance on basic legitimacy considerations toward more nuanced approaches in contemporary debates. We emphasize the importance of achieving at least intermediate levels of legitimacy to ensure long-term policy acceptance and sustainable tourism outcomes. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to develop nuanced and legitimacy-conscious approaches to tourism governance. • Most tourism legitimacy assessments can be understood through 8 distinct approaches. • Results point to missing voices (local) and growing recognition of cognitive factors. • Legitimacy judgments can be explored using a spectrum of minimum-maximum conditions. • Legitimacy of tourism policy can be assessed using 3 dimensions at 3 levels of depth. • Policies generally employ basic or intermediate levels of legitimacy assessments.